An epic retelling of an interesting chapter from Maratha history

Following Farzand and Fatteshikast, Digpal Lanjekar’s very first two motion pictures in the sequence of films dedicated to the bravery of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the Maratha military, the writer-director returns with a bang in the third film of the collection – Pawankhind.

The film, which was delayed due to the pandemic, is based mostly on just one of the most famed incidents from Maratha historical past – the Battle of Pavan Khind. At the outset, the makers make it clear that this is not a complete documentation of the battle, its prelude or aftermath, but a cinematic recreation intended to showcase the bravery of the Marathas associated in this struggle. So, there are cinematic liberties taken in this retelling, but the crux of the tale is managed.

The tale about the Fight of Pavan Khind (previously recognized as Ghod Khind) and the bravery exhibited by Bajiprabhu Deshpande and the Bandal army of 600 in opposition to the Siddhi Masud and the troopers of the Adilshahi Sultanate is effectively known throughout Maharashtra. The end result – Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s prosperous escape from Panhalgad to Vishalgad. But, does Lanjekar succeed in recreating this vital chapter from Marathi background on display screen? Completely!

Pawankhind is a comprehensive cinematic knowledge that is in shape for the significant display. The film is formidable in trying to check out this story in two and a 50 % several hours, but it mainly succeeds in developing the ideal construct up and atmosphere that potential customers to a superb climax. From laying out the explanation and the characters involved in it, to the siege of Panhala by Siddhi Jauhar, the escape plan and the precise struggle, Pawankhind lays out all its playing cards in front you chronologically, while inducing a dose of background, drama and even comic aid in amongst. The film does not overlook out on offering owing credit to the the greater part of the generals who assisted Shivaji Maharaj realise his desire of Swarajya.

As for the actors, it’s not an uncomplicated task to provide some of the most nicely –known names from the Marathi movie and Television market jointly in a multi-starrer of this scale. But the casting department and makers pull off this feat. Chinmay Mandlekar as Shivaji Maharaj, Ajay Purkar as Bajiprabhu Deshpande, Sameer Dharmadhikari as Siddhi Jauhar, Aastad Kale as Siddhi Masud, Ankit Mohan as Rayaji Bandal, Mrinal Kulkarni as Maasaheb Jijau, Akshay Waghmare as Koyaji Bandal each and every actor has supplied his most effective to their roles. Even the supporting solid has some unforgettable performances from Kshitee Jog as Badi Begum, Harish Dudhade as Bahirji Naik, Shivraj Waichal as Harpya, Rishi Saxena as Rustam Zaman. Yet another noteworthy overall performance that stands out is that of Ajinkya Nanaware as Shiva Kashid, the male who resembled Shivaji Maharaj and sacrificed himself for his king. The scenes involving Ajinkya and Chinmay are bound to provide tears to your eyes.

Though Pawankhind excels in storytelling, the technical elements, however great, could have been better. The background score overpowers dialogues in some significant scenes, and the action choreography in some scenes fails to make the slash. Nonetheless, all reported and accomplished, the overall team has completed its best to make this a significant screen working experience. Perhaps with a greater budget, these issues can be ironed out in the following movies of Lanjekar’s sequence.

For now, Pawankhind is a wonderful enjoy, and at the cinemas only.